Truck driver airlifted after crash closes Highway 20 near Colusa County line

LAKE COUNTY -- A big-rig truck turned over, causing lumber to spill onto the road, and blocked both lanes of Highway 20 just outside of the Colusa County line early Thursday afternoon. The truck was heading westbound toward Clearlake and allegedly turned over making a right-hand turn on a curve at about 11:30 a.m., according to California Highway Patrol Officer (CHP) Rob Hearn. He said the driver sustained major injuries and was airlifted by REACH to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital. Speed appeared to be a contributing factor, Hearn said. No drugs or alcohol were involved, he said. The roadway was opened to one-way traffic about two hours after the incident. CHP, Clearlake Oaks Fire Protection District, Caltrans, CAL FIRE and REACH responded to the scene and California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation prisoners assisted with the clean up. Hearn said it would take approximately four to five hours to complete the cleanup.